Light-emitting apparatus, backlight unit, liquid crystal display apparatus, and illumination apparatus

ABSTRACT

A light-emitting apparatus according to the present invention includes: an elongated substrate; a plurality of LEDs arranged in a straight line on the substrate in a longitudinal direction of the substrate; and a sealing member that includes an optical wavelength converter and seals the LEDs, wherein the sealing member is formed in a straight line in a direction of arrangement of the LEDs and seals the LEDs collectively.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to light-emitting apparatuses, backlightunits, liquid crystal display apparatuses, and illumination apparatuses,and in particular, relates to a light-emitting apparatus usingsemiconductor light-emitting elements, for example.

BACKGROUND ART

Semiconductor light-emitting elements, such as light-emitting diodes(LEDs), are high efficiency, space-saving light sources, and in recentyears have been widely used as light sources in backlights for liquidcrystal display apparatuses, such as liquid crystal display televisions,and as illumination sources in illumination apparatuses.

LEDs are unitized as light-emitting apparatuses (light-emitting modules)in backlight light sources and illumination light sources.

Conventionally, a surface mount device (SMD) type light-emittingapparatus has been proposed as this sort of light-emitting apparatus.For example, Patent Literature (PTL) 1 discloses a SMD typelight-emitting apparatus which uses an edge-light type backlight unit.

A conventional SMD type light-emitting apparatus 1000 will be describedusing FIG. 17A and FIG. 17B. FIG. 17A is a planar view of a conventionalSMD type light-emitting apparatus. Moreover, FIG. 17B is a perspectiveview of a SMD type LED element used in a conventional SMD typelight-emitting apparatus.

As FIG. 17A shows, the conventional SMD type light-emitting apparatus1000 includes a substrate 1010 and a plurality of SMD type LED elements1100 mounted in a line on the substrate 1010. As FIG. 17B shows, eachSMD type LED element 1100 is a package type LED element and includes acavity 1101 molded from, for example, resin, an LED 1020 mounted in thecavity 1101, and a sealing member 1030 made of a phosphor-containingresin injected in the cavity 1101 to cover the LED 1020.

CITATION LIST Patent Literature

-   [PTL 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No.    2006-13087

SUMMARY OF INVENTION Technical Problem

However, the SMD type light-emitting apparatus appears grainy when litup as a result of the areas between neighboring SMD type LED elementsbeing non light-emitting regions. As such, with SMD type light-emittingapparatuses, there is a problem of irregular luminance and irregularchromaticity within the light-emitting apparatus (module). It should benoted that in the present invention, “grainy” refers to an appearance,and is a degree that a plurality of LED light sources lined up can beindividually identified by visual inspection.

The present invention was conceived to solve the above-described problemand aims to provide a light-emitting apparatus and such which can reducea grainy appearance and suppress luminance irregularity while alsosuppressing chromatic irregularity.

Solution to Problem

In order to solve the above-described problem, an aspect of thelight-emitting apparatus according to the present invention includes: anelongated substrate; a plurality of semiconductor light-emittingelements arranged in a straight line on the substrate in a longitudinaldirection of the substrate; and a sealing member that includes anoptical wavelength converter and seals the semiconductor light-emittingelements, wherein the sealing member is formed in a straight line in adirection of arrangement of the semiconductor light-emitting elementsand seals the semiconductor light-emitting elements collectively.

With this, since a portion of the light from the semiconductorlight-emitting elements is reflected at the interface of the sealingmember and air space in the line width direction, light in the straightline direction of the sealing member increases, and non light-emittingregions between neighboring semiconductor light-emitting elements areeliminated. This makes it possible to eliminate a grainy appearance andsuppress luminance irregularity. Moreover, since the sealing member iscontinuously formed without break in the module, difference inchromaticity in the module due to internal diffusion can be suppressed.

Furthermore, in one aspect of the light-emitting apparatus according tothe present invention, it is preferable that 10≦Ls/Ws, where Ls is alength of the sealing member in a straight line direction of the sealingmember and Ws is a line width of the sealing member.

With this, since the line width of the sealing member can be madesmaller, the light from the semiconductor light-emitting elementsreflected at the interface of the sealing member and the airspace isallowed to pass between neighboring semiconductor light-emittingelements, even when the semiconductor light-emitting elements are spacedat a large pitch. This makes it possible to suppress a grainy appearanceeven more.

Furthermore, in one aspect of the light-emitting apparatus according tothe present invention, it is preferable that Wc≦Lc, where Lc is a lengthof each of the semiconductor light-emitting elements in the straightline direction and Wc is a length of each of the semiconductorlight-emitting elements in a direction perpendicular to the straightline direction.

With this, it is possible to increase the luminous flux of thelight-emitting apparatus and increase the luminance.

Furthermore, in one aspect of the light-emitting apparatus according tothe present invention, it is preferable that Wc≦Ws/4.

With this, since the sealing member is formed to have a substantiallysemicircular cross sectional shape, it is possible to suppress luminanceand chromatic unevenness regardless of which angle the light-emittingapparatus (light source) is viewed from.

Furthermore, in one aspect of the light-emitting apparatus according tothe present invention, it is preferable that 0.9≦Hs₄₅/Hs≦1.1, where Hsis a height of the sealing member and Hs₄₅ is a length of the sealingmember measured from a center of a cross section of the sealing memberat 45 degree angle. Furthermore, in one aspect of the light-emittingapparatus according to the present invention, it is preferable that0.4≦Hs/Ws≦0.6.

With this, since the sealing member is formed to have a semicircularcross sectional shape, it is possible to suppress luminance andchromatic unevenness regardless of which angle the light-emittingapparatus (light source) is viewed from.

Furthermore, in one aspect of the light-emitting apparatus according tothe present invention, it is preferable that the light-emittingapparatus further include two electrodes that are formed on thesubstrate and are for supplying power to the semiconductorlight-emitting elements, wherein a first of the two electrodes is formedat a first end of the substrate in a longitudinal direction of thesubstrate, and a second of the two electrodes is formed at a second endof the substrate in the longitudinal direction of the substrate, and thetwo electrodes are formed laterally offset toward one longitudinal sideof the substrate, based on the sealing member.

Furthermore, in one aspect of the light-emitting apparatus according tothe present invention, it is preferable that the sealing member beformed so that a straight line passing a center of a line width of thesealing member and a straight line passing a center of the substrate ina lateral direction of the substrate are different.

Furthermore, in one aspect of the light-emitting apparatus according tothe present invention, it is preferable that the sealing member beformed extending to both end edges of the substrate in the longitudinaldirection of the substrate.

Furthermore, in one aspect of the light-emitting apparatus according tothe present invention, it is preferable that the semiconductorlight-emitting elements be spaced at a uniform pitch, and two outermostsemiconductor light-emitting elements among the semiconductorlight-emitting elements be each positioned half the pitch length from anearest one of the end edges of the substrate.

Furthermore, in one aspect of the light-emitting apparatus according tothe present invention, it is preferable that the semiconductorlight-emitting elements be each bonded with a wire, at least a portionof each of the wires be sealed by the sealing member, and all of thewires sealed by the sealing member be provided in a same direction as astraight line direction of the sealing member.

Furthermore, in one aspect of the light-emitting apparatus according tothe present invention, it is preferable that the light-emittingapparatus further include a protective element for electrostaticprotection of the semiconductor light-emitting elements, wherein theprotective element is arranged in a straight line with the semiconductorlight-emitting elements.

Furthermore, in one aspect of the light-emitting apparatus according tothe present invention, it is preferable that the protective element andall of the semiconductor light-emitting elements be spaced at a uniformpitch.

Furthermore, in one aspect of the light-emitting apparatus according tothe present invention, it is preferable that a contour of an end of thesealing member have a curvature.

Furthermore, in one aspect of the light-emitting apparatus according tothe present invention, it is preferable that the protective element andeach of the semiconductor light-emitting elements be bonded with a wire,at least a portion of each of the wires be sealed by the sealing member,and all of the wires sealed by the sealing member be provided in a samedirection as a straight line direction of the sealing member.

Furthermore, in one aspect of the light-emitting apparatus according tothe present invention, it is preferable that the light-emittingapparatus further include a first line and a second line that areelectrically connected to the semiconductor light-emitting elements,wherein the first line and the second line each have a straight portionformed on the substrate in a straight line substantially parallel to thelongitudinal direction of the substrate, and the sealing member isformed between the straight portion of the first line and the straightportion of the second line.

Furthermore, in one aspect of the light-emitting apparatus according tothe present invention, it is preferable that the straight portion of thefirst line and the straight portion of the second line be glass coated.

Furthermore, in one aspect of the light-emitting apparatus according tothe present invention, it is preferable that the optical wavelengthconverter be a phosphor that excites light emitted by the semiconductorlight-emitting elements.

Moreover, one aspect of the backlight unit according to the presentinvention includes the above-described light-emitting apparatus.

Furthermore, in one aspect of the backlight unit according to thepresent invention, it is preferable that the backlight unit furtherinclude a plurality of the light-emitting apparatuses, wherein thelight-emitting apparatuses are arranged so that the substrates of thelight-emitting apparatuses abut each other.

Moreover, one aspect of the liquid crystal display apparatus accordingto the present invention includes the above-described backlight unit anda liquid crystal display panel positioned in a path of light emittedfrom the backlight unit.

Moreover, one aspect of the illumination apparatus according to thepresent invention includes the above-described light-emitting apparatus.

Furthermore, in one aspect of the illumination apparatus according tothe present invention, it is preferable that the illumination apparatusfurther include a plurality of the light-emitting apparatuses, whereinthe light-emitting apparatuses are arranged so that the substrates ofthe light-emitting apparatuses are abutting each other.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

With the light-emitting apparatus according to the present invention, itis possible to reduce a grainy appearance and suppress chromaticirregularity while suppressing luminance irregularity.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a birds-eye view of the light-emitting apparatus according tothe first embodiment of the present invention.

(a) in FIG. 2 is a planar view of the light-emitting apparatus accordingto the first embodiment of the present invention, (b) in FIG. 2 is across section along the line X-X′ in (a), and (c) in FIG. 2 is a crosssection along the line Y-Y′ in (a).

FIG. 3 is an enlarged planar view of the light-emitting apparatusaccording to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4A shows the luminance characteristics of the light-emittingapparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention(COB) and a conventional light-emitting apparatus (SMD).

FIG. 4B shows the chromatic characteristics (ax) of the light-emittingapparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention(COB) and a conventional light-emitting apparatus (SMD).

(a) in FIG. 5 is an enlarged planar view of a portion of thelight-emitting apparatus according to the first embodiment of thepresent invention, and (b) in FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross sectional viewof the same light-emitting apparatus.

FIG. 6 shows a plurality of the light-emitting apparatuses according tothe first embodiment of the present invention lined up.

(a) in FIG. 7 is an enlarged planar view of the connecting portion ofthe light-emitting apparatuses according to the first embodiment of thepresent invention lined up in a row, and (b) in FIG. 7 is a side viewthereof.

FIG. 8A is a planar view for illustrating the forming method of thesealing member in the light-emitting apparatus according to the firstembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8B is a side view (a side view of FIG. 8A) for illustrating theforming method of the sealing member in the light-emitting apparatusaccording to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8C is a cross section (a cross section of FIG. 8A) for illustratingthe forming method of the sealing member in the light-emitting apparatusaccording to the first embodiment of the present invention.

(a) in FIG. 9 is a planar view of the light-emitting apparatus accordingto the second embodiment of the present invention, (b) in FIG. 9 is across section along the line X-X′ in (a), and (c) in FIG. 9 is a crosssection along the line Y-Y′ in (a).

FIG. 10 shows the circuitry configuration of the light-emittingapparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 shows the line pattern on the light-emitting apparatus accordingto the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12A is a planar view for illustrating the forming method of thesealing member in the light-emitting apparatus according to the secondembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12B is a side view (a side view of FIG. 12A) for illustrating theforming method of the sealing member in the light-emitting apparatusaccording to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12C is a cross section (a cross section of FIG. 12A) forillustrating the forming method of the sealing member in thelight-emitting apparatus according to the second embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the backlight unit accordingto the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a cross section of the liquid crystal display apparatusaccording to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the illumination apparatus according tothe fifth embodiment of the present invention with a portion thereof cutout.

FIG. 16 is a birds-eye view of the illumination apparatus according tothe sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17A is a planar view of a conventional SMD type light-emittingapparatus.

FIG. 17B is a perspective view of a SMD type LED element used in aconventional SMD type light-emitting apparatus.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, embodiments of the light-emitting apparatus, backlightunit, liquid crystal display apparatus, and illumination apparatusaccording to the present invention will be described with reference tothe drawings. It is to be noted that each of the embodiments describedbelow shows a specific example of the present invention. The numericalvalues, shapes, materials, structural elements, the arrangement andconnection of the structural elements etc. shown in the followingexemplary embodiments are mere examples, and therefore do not limit thepresent invention, the scope of which is limited only by the appendedClaims. Therefore, among the structural elements in the followingexemplary embodiments, structural elements not recited in any one of theindependent claims defining the most generic part of the inventiveconcept are described as preferred structural elements, and are notabsolutely necessary to overcome the problem according to the presentinvention.

Moreover, in each of the drawings, the x, y, and z axes are mutuallyorthogonal, and in each of the embodiments, the x axis direction is thelengthwise direction of the substrate, the y axis direction a directionorthogonal to the x axis, and the z axis direction is a directionorthogonal to both the x axis and the y axis. It should be noted thatthe dimensions and such in the drawings are not strictly accurate.

First Embodiment

First, the general structure of the light-emitting apparatus 100according to the first embodiment of the present invention will bedescribed with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a birds-eye view of thelight-emitting apparatus according to the first embodiment of thepresent invention.

As FIG. 1 shows, the light-emitting apparatus 100 according to the firstembodiment of the present invention is a line-shaped light source whichemits light in the shape of a line, and includes a light-emitting unit110 formed in a line shape on a substrate 10 which emits a predeterminedlight. As will be described later, the light-emitting unit 110 is madeup of a plurality of LED chips arranged in a line (one dimension) and asealing member including a phosphor.

It should be noted that the light-emitting apparatus 100 according tothe first embodiment is a COB (chip on board) type light-emittingapparatus in which the LED chips (bare chips) mounted directly on thesubstrate 10 as sealed with a phosphor-containing resin.

Next, the structure of the light-emitting apparatus 100 according to thefirst embodiment of the present invention will be described in detailwith reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a planar view of the light-emittingapparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.Moreover, (b) in FIG. 2 shows a cross section (substrate longitudinaldirection cross section) of the light-emitting apparatus according tothe first embodiment of the present invention along the line X-X′, and(c) in FIG. 2 shows a cross section (substrate lateral direction crosssection) of the light-emitting apparatus according to the firstembodiment of the present invention along the line Y-Y′.

As FIG. 2 shows, the light-emitting apparatus 100 according to the firstembodiment of the present invention is a LED module (light-emittingmodule) of a plurality of modularized LED chips, and includes asubstrate 10, a plurality of LEDs 20, a sealing member 30, a line 40, aprotective element 50, a first electrode 61, a second electrode 62, andwiring 70. Hereinafter, each structural element of the light-emittingapparatus 100 will be described in detail.

First the substrate 10 will be described. The substrate 10 is anelongated rectangular substrate for mounting the LEDs 20. The aspectratio L1/L2 of the elongated substrate 10 preferably satisfies 10≦L1/L2,where L1 is the length of the substrate 10 in the longitudinal direction(lengthwise direction) (longitudinal length) and L2 is the length of thesubstrate 10 in the lateral direction (lateral length).

For example, a ceramic substrate made from alumina or a translucentaluminum nitride, an aluminum substrate made from aluminum alloy, atransparent glass substrate, or a flexible substrate (FPC) made fromresin may be used as the substrate 10. It should be noted that when ametal based substrate such as an aluminum substrate is used, aninsulating film made from an organic material such as polyimide isformed on the substrate 10. Additionally, in order to improve thereflectivity of the entire surface of the substrate, a white resistmaterial (reflective film) may be formed on the substrate 10.

In the first embodiment, a ceramic substrate made from alumina having arectangular shape is used as the substrate 10, where L1 is 140 mm, L2 is5.5 mm, and the thickness thereof is 1.0 mm. Moreover, it is possible toincrease L1 to 280 mm and use an even further elongated substrate.

Next, the LEDs 20 will be described. The plurality of LEDs 20 are anexample of the semiconductor light-emitting elements, and are mounteddirectly on the substrate 10. The plurality of LEDs 20 are arranged in asingle line (in a straight line shape) along the longitudinal directionof the substrate 10. It should be noted that in the first embodiment, 24LEDs 20 are arranged in a single line.

A bare chip which emits monochromatic visible light can be used for eachof the LED 20s, and the LED 20s can be die-bonded to the substrate 10with a die attaching material (die bonding material). A blue LED chipwhich emits blue light may be used for each of the LED 20s, for example.A gallium nitride semiconductor light-emitting element formed from InGaNmaterial, for example, and having a central wavelength of 440 nm to 470nm, can be used as the blue LED chip. It should be noted that in thefirst embodiment, a square blue LED chip with a side length of 346 μm isused as the LED 20, but a rectangular LED chip can be used.

Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the 24 LEDs 20 are spaced at auniform pitch so that the distance between neighboring LEDs 20 isuniform throughout. Moreover, the two outermost LEDs 20 among the LEDs20 arranged in line are each positioned half the pitch length of theLEDs 20 from the nearest lateral side edge of the substrate 10. In otherwords, the distance between the first LED 20 in the line and the nearestlateral side edge of the substrate and the distance between the last LED20 in the line and the nearest lateral side edge of the substrate ishalf the pitch of the LEDs 20 (½ pitch). It should be noted that in thefirst embodiment, the pitch of the LEDs 20 is 5.85 mm.

Next, the sealing member 30 will be described. The sealing member 30 isa phosphor-containing resin which contains a phosphor that is an opticalwavelength converter, and converts the wavelength of the light from theLEDs 20 while sealing and protecting all of the LEDs 20 on the substrate10 collectively The sealing member 30 is formed on the substrate 10 in astraight line along the direction of arrangement of the LEDs 20.

Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the straight line (stripe) sealingmember 30 is formed so that a straight line running in the straight linedirection (stripe direction) through the center of the line width(stripe width) of the sealing member 30 and a straight line runningthrough the center of the substrate in the lateral direction (a linethat connects the center of the two opposing lateral sides) aredifferent. More specifically, as (a) in FIG. 2 shows, the sealing member30 is formed laterally offset from a straight line running through thecenter of the lateral direction of the substrate 10, toward onelongitudinal side of the substrate 10.

Moreover, the sealing member 30 extends to the vicinity of both endedges of the substrate 10 in the longitudinal direction. In other words,the sealing member 30 is formed continuously from one end surface of thelateral side of the substrate 10 to another end surface of the oppositelateral side of the substrate 10 (see FIG. 1).

It should be noted that when blue LEDs are used for the LEDs 20, aphosphor-containing resin that is a silicon resin dispersed with yttriumaluminum garnet (YAG) yellow phosphor particles may be used as thesealing member 30 in order to achieve a white light. Moreover, in thefirst embodiment, the sealing member 30 is formed to have a straightline direction length of 140 mm, a line width of 1.5 mm, and a centermaximum height of 0.6 mm.

As described, in the first embodiment, blue LED chips are used as theLEDs 20, and a phosphor-containing resin containing yellow phosphorparticles is used as the sealing member 30. With this, since the yellowphosphor particles are excited by the blue light from the LED chips andradiate a yellow light, a white light is radiated from the sealingmember 30 (the light-emitting unit 110) due to the excited yellow lightand the blue light from the LED chip.

Next, the line 40 will be described. The line 40 is a conductive memberand is patterned in a predetermined shape for electrically connectingeach of the LEDs 20. Furthermore, the line 40 is patterned in apredetermined shape for electrically connecting the LEDs 20 and theprotective element 50. It should be noted that the line 40 iselectrically connected to the first electrode 61 and the secondelectrode 62.

In the first embodiment, the line 40 is formed to connect all of theLEDs 20 in series. Moreover, a metal line such as a tungsten (W) orcopper (Cu) line having a surface plated with gold (Au), for example,can be used as the line 40.

Next, the protective element 50 will be described. The protectiveelement 50 is an electrostatic protection element for electrostaticprotection of the LEDs 20. One or more of the protective elements 50 aremounted on the substrate 10. The protective element 50 prevents the LEDs20, which have a low reverse breakdown voltage, from being destroyed bystatic electricity of an opposite polarity which generates on thesubstrate 10. For this reason, the protective element 50 is providedconnected in parallel, in a polarity opposite that of the LEDs 20. Azener diode, for example, is used as the protective element 50, and inthe first embodiment, one zener diode is provided on the substrate 10.

Next, the first electrode 61 and the second electrode 62 will bedescribed. The first electrode 61 and the second electrode 62 areelectrode terminals (power feeding units) for connection to a powersource external to the light-emitting apparatus 100, and areelectrically connected to the line 40. Power is supplied to each LED 20via the line 40 and the wiring 70 as a result of power being suppliedfrom the external power source to the first electrode 61 and the secondelectrode 62. For example, by connecting a DC power source to the firstelectrode 61 and the second electrode 62, it is possible to supply DCelectricity to each LED 20. This allows the LEDs 20 to emit light,whereby a desired light is radiated from the LEDs 20. It should be notedthat in the first embodiment, the first electrode 61 and the secondelectrode 62 are made of gold (Au).

Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the first electrode 61 and thesecond electrode 62 are positioned opposite each other at both lateralsides. In other words, the first electrode 61 is formed at one end ofthe substrate 10 in the longitudinal direction (one lateral side end),and the second electrode 62 is formed at the other end of the substrate10 in the longitudinal direction (the other lateral side end).

Moreover, the first electrode 61 and the second electrode 62 are formedlaterally offset toward one longitudinal side of the substrate 10 basedon the sealing member 30. In other words, the first electrode 61 and thesealing member 30 are formed aligned in the lateral direction of thesubstrate 10, and the second electrode 62 is formed, based on thesealing member 30, toward a side of the sealing member 30 on which thefirst electrode 61 is formed.

Next, the wiring 70 will be described. The wiring 70 is electricalwiring for electrically connecting the LEDs 20 and the line 40, and is,for example, gold wiring. A p-side electrode and an n-side electrode areformed on the chip of each LED 20 for supplying current, and the p-sideelectrode and the n-side electrode are wire-bonded to the line 40 by thewiring 70.

The entirety of the wiring 70 is embedded in the sealing member 30, butwhen the size of the sealing member 30 is reduced to improve lightextraction efficiency, there are cases when a portion of the wiring 70is exposed from the sealing member 30. As such, at least a portion ofthe wiring 70 is sealed by the sealing member 30.

Moreover, in the first embodiment, all of the wiring 70 sealed by thesealing member 30 is provided in a same direction as the straight linedirection of the sealing member 30. In other words, all of the wiring 70connected to the LEDs 20 is provided positioned in a straight line in aplanar view.

Next, the functionality of the light-emitting apparatus 100 according tothe first embodiment of the present invention will be described indetail with reference to FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is an enlarged planar view ofthe light-emitting apparatus according to the first embodiment of thepresent invention.

As described above, the light-emitting apparatus 100 according to thefirst embodiment of the present invention includes a sealing member 30(phosphor-containing resin) which seals the LEDs 20 collectively and isformed in a straight line along the direction of arrangement of the LEDs20.

With this, the sealing member 30 is present between neighboring LEDs 20as well, which eliminates non light-emitting regions between neighboringLEDs 20. In other words, as FIG. 3 shows, since a portion of the lightemitted from the LEDs 20 is reflected at the interface of the sealingmember 30 and airspace in the direction of the line width of the sealingmember 30 and continues in the sealing member 30, it is possible toincrease light in the straight line direction of the sealing member 30(the longitudinal direction of the substrate 10). As such, regionsbetween neighboring LEDs 20 can be made light-emitting regions, therebyeliminating a grainy appearance, and making it possible to achieve theadvantageous effect of suppressing luminance irregularity.

In this case, assuming Ls is the length of the sealing member 30 in thestraight line direction (length in the longitudinal direction of thesubstrate 10 in the sealing member 30) and Ws is the line width of thesealing member 30 (length of the substrate 10 in the lateral directionin the sealing member 30), it is acceptable if Ls and Ws areappropriately set in accordance with the desired size and shape of thelight-emitting apparatus, but it is preferable that 10≦Ls/Ws. It is evenmore preferable that 30≦Ls/Ws. For example, when Ws is in a range of 0.8mm≦Ws 3.0 mm, by adjusting Ls to a range of 3.0 mm≦Ls≦300.0 mm, it ispossible to achieve a long, thin, line-shaped sealing member 30, astripe shape of which is long in length and narrow in width. Morespecifically, when L1 of the substrate 10 is 140 mm, Ls=140 and Ws=1.4is possible. Moreover, when L1 of the substrate 10 is 280 mm, Ls=280 andWs=1.4 is possible.

In this way, by making Ls and Ws satisfy 10≦Ls/Ws, it is possible toachieve an elongated sealing member 30 having a narrow line width, andas such, even when the pitch of the LEDs 20 is large, the lightreflected at the interface of the sealing member 30 and airspace canpass between neighboring LEDs 20. This makes it possible to reduce agrainy appearance even further.

In other words, even if the sealing member 30 is formed in a straightline, a large line width and/or a large LED pitch results in a grainyappearance. Conversely, by appropriately adjusting the straight lineshape of the sealing member 30 within the above-described ranges, it ispossible to suppress a grainy appearance. It should be noted that inorder to visually eliminate a grainy appearance, the pitch P of the LEDs20 is preferably 1.0 mm≦P≦3.0 mm. This makes it possible to improveluminance uniformity between pitches of the LEDs 20.

Moreover, as described above, since the sealing member 30 which coversthe LEDs 20 in whole is formed in a straight line in the direction ofarrangement of the LEDs 20, the sealing member 30 is continuous withinthe module. This provides the advantageous effect that it is possiblesuppress difference in chromaticity in the module due to internaldiffusion. In particular, it is possible to suppress chromaticunevenness in the center, which serves the most function in emittinglight.

With the light-emitting apparatus 100 according to the first embodimentof the present invention, it is possible to reduce a grainy appearanceand suppress luminance unevenness (irregularity) while suppressingchromatic unevenness (irregularity).

Actual tests pertaining to the advantageous effects of thelight-emitting apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment wereconducted. Hereinafter results of those tests will be described withreference to FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B. FIG. 4A shows the luminancecharacteristics of the light-emitting apparatus according to the firstembodiment of the present invention (COB) and a conventionallight-emitting apparatus (SMD). Moreover, FIG. 4B shows the chromaticcharacteristics (Δx) of the light-emitting apparatus according to thefirst embodiment of the present invention (COB) and a conventionallight-emitting apparatus (SMD). It should be noted that in FIG. 4A andFIG. 4B, the characteristics shown in (a1) and (b1), the characteristicsshown in (a2) and (b2), and the characteristics shown in (a3) and (b3)are results of measurements taken in the direction A, direction B, anddirection C. Moreover, in these tests, the LED chips used in thelight-emitting apparatus according to the first embodiment (COB) and theconventional light-emitting apparatus (SMD) are substantially the same.

As the bottom portion of FIG. 4A shows, in the conventionallight-emitting apparatus (SMD), luminance irregularity in each ofdirections A, B, and C is great. Particularly in direction C, whencompared to direction A and direction B, it can be seen that luminanceis uniformly low.

On the other hand, as the upper portion of FIG. 4A shows, in thelight-emitting apparatus according to the first embodiment (COB),luminance irregularity in each of the directions A, B, and C is low, andcompared to the conventional light-emitting apparatus (SMD), luminanceirregularity is suppressed.

In particular, with the conventional light-emitting apparatus (SMD),luminance irregularity of light emitted from the side walls increasessince mounting the LEDs (SMDs) at an angle or singularity irregularitycauses unevenness in wall surface thickness of the cavity unit, but withthe light-emitting apparatus according to the first embodiment (COB),luminance of the light emitted from the side walls is even, notirregular. In other words, compared to the conventional light-emittingapparatus (SMD), the light-emitting apparatus according to the firstembodiment (COB) is capable of reducing a grainy appearance in angles atwhich the light-emitting apparatus (light source) is viewed.

Moreover, as the bottom portion of FIG. 4B shows, in the conventionallight-emitting apparatus (SMD), difference in chromaticity and chromaticunevenness in each of the directions A, B, and C is large.

On the other hand, as the upper portion of FIG. 4B shows, in thelight-emitting apparatus according to the first embodiment (COB),difference in chromaticity in each of the directions A, B, and C is low,and compared to the conventional light-emitting apparatus (SMD),chromatic irregularity is suppressed.

In this way, with the light-emitting apparatus 100 according to thefirst embodiment, it is possible to suppress luminance unevenness(irregularity) while suppressing chromatic unevenness (irregularity).

Here, luminance unevenness and chromatic unevenness is also affected bythe cross-sectional shape of the sealing member 30 and the shape of theLEDs 20. This point will be described with reference to FIG. 5. (a) inFIG. 5 is an enlarged planar view of a portion of the light-emittingapparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention,and (b) in FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross sectional view of the samelight-emitting apparatus.

It is preferable that We Lc, where Lc is the length (length of the LEDchip) in the x axis direction (lengthwise direction of the substrate 10)of the LED 20 (LED chip) and Wc is the length of the LED 20 (LED chip)(width of the LED chip) in the y axis direction of the substrate 10, as(a) in FIG. 5 shows. With this, it is possible to increase the luminousflux of the light-emitting apparatus 100 and increases the luminance ofthe light-emitting apparatus 100. It should be noted that luminous fluxwas found to increase 3% when Wc≦Lc compared to when Wc>Lc.

Furthermore, it is preferable that Wc≦Ws/4, where Ws is the length ofthe sealing member 30 in the y axis direction of the substrate 10. Withthis, it is possible to make it appear like there are no LED 20s in thesealing member 30, and form the sealing member 30 to have asubstantially semicircle cross sectional shape. As a result, it ispossible to suppress luminance unevenness and chromatic unevennessregardless of from which angle the light-emitting apparatus 100 (lightsource) is viewed at.

It should be noted that in order to facilitate emission of light in they axis direction and the z axis direction, it is preferable that thedistance from center to center of the chips of neighboring LEDs 20 be 6mm or less. Additionally, the distance between the edges of the chips ofneighboring LED 20s is preferably 5.5 mm or less.

Moreover, it is preferable that 0.9≦Hs₄₅/Hs≦1.1, where Ws is the linewidth of the sealing member 30, Hs is the height of the sealing member30, and Hs₄₅ is the length (thickness) of the sealing member 30 from thecenter of the sealing member 30 in a yz cross section of the sealingmember 30 measured at 45 degree angle, as (b) in FIG. 5 shows. Moreover,it is preferable that 0.4≦Hs/Ws≦0.6. With this, since the sealing member30 can be formed to have a substantially semicircular cross sectionalshape, it is possible to suppress luminance and chromatic unevennessregardless of which angle the light-emitting apparatus 100 (lightsource) is viewed from. In particular, it is preferable thatHs₄₅/Hs=1.0, Hs/Ws=0.5.

Moreover, in the light-emitting apparatus 100 according to the firstembodiment of the present invention, the sealing member 30 is formed ina straight line relative to the LEDs 20 arranged in a straight line.With this, the state of the sealing member 30 formed to encompass theLEDs 20 is balanced since the configuration centered around any givenone of the LEDs 20 is the same throughout. As such, even if a chromaticunevenness were to develop, the unevenness would be cyclic, and wouldnot stand out, meaning it is possible to achieve a steady emission oflight. It should be noted that in the case where the sealing member in asingle module is formed discontinuously, when the modules are used linedup in a row, difference in chromaticity arises between the modules, andchromatic unevenness arises in the side wall direction.

Moreover, in the light-emitting apparatus 100 according to the firstembodiment of the present invention, the first electrode 61 and thesecond electrode 62 are formed laterally offset toward one longitudinalside of the substrate 10 based on the sealing member 30. In this way, bypositioning the first electrode 61 and the second electrode 62 to beoffset to one side of the substrate in the lateral direction, it ispossible to reduce the width of the substrate 10 (lateral length)compared to when the first electrode 61 and the second electrode 62 arepositioned on both sides. This makes it possible to realize a long,thin, line-shaped light-emitting module while keeping cost down.

Moreover, in the light-emitting apparatus 100 according to the firstembodiment of the present invention, all of the wiring 70 sealed by thesealing member 30 is provided in a same direction as the straight linedirection of the sealing member 30. With this, it is possible to formthe sealing member 30 to have a stable shape.

In other words, when forming the sealing member 30, when the sealingmember material is applied, the sealing member material is pulled in theline direction of the wiring 70. As such, when the line direction of thewiring 70 is different from the straight line direction of the sealingmember 30, there are cases when the sealing member 30 cannot be made inthe preferable straight line shape (stripe shape). For example, thereare cases when sections of the sealing member 30 have different linewidths, meaning the line width is not constant throughout. In light ofthis, by making the line direction of the wiring 70 the same as thestraight line direction of the sealing member 30, the sealing membermaterial is only pulled in the straight line direction in theapplication of the sealing member material. With this, it is possible toeasily form the sealing member 30 having a uniform line width.

Moreover, the light-emitting apparatus 100 according to the firstembodiment is very useful when extremely long light source is required,such as in roughly 1200 mm long straight tube LED lamps. This is becausein the light-emitting apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment,the sealing member 30 is formed all the way to both edges of thesubstrate 10 in the longitudinal direction, as the light-emitting unit110 in the previously described FIG. 1 shows. For this reason, when anumber of the light-emitting apparatuses 100 are connected together, thesealing members 30 of neighboring light-emitting apparatuses 100 can beconnected seamlessly. As such, with this configuration, since aline-shaped light source configured of a plurality of the light-emittingunits connected together can be realized, it is possible to realize aline-shaped light source greater than 1000 mm.

Here, the method of connecting the plurality of light-emittingapparatuses 100 is not particularly limited. For example, possiblemethods include: a method of preparing a plurality of light-emittingapparatuses 100 provided with fitting locations at the ends of thesubstrate as connecting units and fixing the substrates with fastenerswhile the fitting locations are overlapping, for example; a method oflaying lines in a region in which the sealing member 30 is not formedfrom among substrates of neighboring light-emitting apparatuses 100 andconnecting them together with a line bridge structure; or a method ofpreparing a single elongated board shaped member and adhering orfastening thereon a plurality of the light-emitting apparatuses 100 toform one line-shaped light source.

As described above, the method of connecting a plurality of thelight-emitting apparatuses 100 is not particularly limited, and may beany method which allows for the mechanical and electrical connectionbetween the plurality of light-emitting apparatuses, and for example,when a line having the same thickness as the sealing member is used tofix the light-emitting apparatuses, there is concern that a shadowedarea will develop as a result of the line and reduce the line-shapedlight source properties. For this reason, when a plurality of thelight-emitting apparatuses 100 are connected, it is preferable to use amethod which connects them without forming a shadowed area in theconnection portion. More specifically, this includes a method ofmechanically connecting the light-emitting apparatuses 100 togetherusing a wire substantially thinner (for example, 0.5 mm or less) thanthe width of the lateral direction of the sealing member, a method offorming the end portions of the light-emitting apparatuses 100 so thatthe end portions of the substrates of neighboring light-emittingapparatuses 100 overlap, and riveting the overlapping end portionsthereof, and a method of fixing the substrates of the light-emittingapparatuses 100 lined up together with latches such as clips.

It should be noted that it is preferable that the sealing member 30 isformed only in a single straight line without any bends. When there is abend in the sealing member, chromatic unevenness arise in this area, butby forming the sealing member 30 into a single straight line, it ispossible to suppress such chromatic unevenness. Moreover, when thesealing member is configured in a plurality of lines, re-excitationoccurs between neighboring lines and chromatic irregularities develop,multiple coating processes are required to form the sealing member anddifference in chromaticity develops in the module, but by forming thesealing member 30 only in a single line, it is possible to suppress thedevelopment of such chromatic irregularities and difference inchromaticity.

Next, the operational advantages of using a plurality of thelight-emitting apparatuses 100 according to the first embodiment of thepresent invention lined up in a row will be described with reference toFIG. 6. FIG. 6 shows (a portion of) a plurality of the light-emittingapparatuses according to the first embodiment of the present inventionlined up. It should be noted that in FIG. 6, light-emitting apparatuses100A and 100B have the same configuration as the light-emittingapparatus 100 according to the first embodiment of the presentinvention.

When a plurality of the light-emitting apparatuses according to thefirst embodiment of the present invention are provided line up in a row,the plurality of light-emitting apparatuses are arranged to connecttogether in a lengthwise direction. For example, as FIG. 6 shows, thelight-emitting apparatuses 100A and 100B are arranged connected togetherin the lengthwise direction of the light-emitting apparatuses 100A and100B. In other words, a lateral side of a substrate 10A of thelight-emitting apparatus 100A and a lateral side of a substrate 10B ofthe light-emitting apparatus 100B are arranged facing each other andconnected to each other.

In this case, in the two neighboring light-emitting apparatuses 100A and100B, a first electrode 61A of the light-emitting apparatus 100A, whichis a first one of the light-emitting apparatuses, and a second electrode62B of the light-emitting apparatus 100B, which is a second one of thelight-emitting apparatuses, are electrically connected together. Inother words, the light-emitting apparatus 100A and the light-emittingapparatus 100B are connected in series.

Here, in the light-emitting apparatus 100A (100B) according to the firstembodiment, the first electrode 61A (61B) and the second electrode 62A(62B) are formed laterally offset toward one longitudinal side of thesubstrate 10A (10B) based on the sealing member 30A (30B).

With this, since the first electrode 61A of the light-emitting apparatus100A and the second electrode 62B of the light-emitting apparatus 100Bare next to each other on the same side, the first electrode 61A and thesecond electrode 62B can easily be connected together with a desiredconductive member.

Moreover, when the first electrode and the second electrode are arrangeddiagonally on the substrate, the positional relationship of the firstelectrode and the second electrode will not change even if the substrateis rotated 180 degrees. In other words, the directionality of thesubstrate cannot be identified by the first electrode and the secondelectrode alone. In this case, one of the first electrode and the secondelectrode is the positive electrode and the other is the negativeelectrode, so when the light-emitting apparatuses are aligned in a row,there are times when the alignment of the negative electrodes and thepositive electrodes is off. In contrast, by arranging the firstelectrode 61A (first electrode 61B) and the second electrode 62A (secondelectrode 62B) offset to one side, like in the first embodiment, thepositional relationship between the first electrode 61A (61B) and thesecond electrode 62A (62B) changes when the substrate is rotated 180degrees. In other words, with the present embodiment, it is possible toidentify the directionality of the substrate 10A (10B) by the firstelectrode 61 (61B) and the second electrode 62A (62B) alone. Thiseliminates the chance of erroneously positioning the positive electrodeand the negative electrode when lining up the light-emitting apparatusesin a row.

Moreover, in the light-emitting apparatus 100A (100B) according to thefirst embodiment, the sealing member 30A (30B) is formed reaching bothedges of the substrate 10A (10B).

With this, when the light-emitting apparatus 100A and 100B are arrangednext to each other like is shown in FIG. 6, the sealing member 30A andthe sealing member 30B are continuously connected without break in thelocation where the light-emitting apparatus 100A and the light-emittingapparatus 100B are connected together. With this, since a nonlight-emitting region is eliminated in the connecting region of thelight-emitting apparatus 100A and the light-emitting apparatus 100B, itis possible to suppress illuminance and chromatic unevenness whichappears when a non light-emitting region exists between light-emittingapparatuses.

Moreover, in the first embodiment, it is preferable that the distancebetween the first or last LED in the row and the substrate 10A (10B) ishalf the length of the pitch (½ pitch) of the LEDs in the light-emittingapparatus 100A (the LEDs in the light-emitting apparatus 100B).

With this, when the light-emitting apparatus 100A and 100B are arrangednext to each other, like FIG. 6 shows, the distance between the LED onthe light-emitting apparatus 100A closest to the light-emittingapparatus 100B and the LED on the light-emitting apparatus 100B closestto the light-emitting apparatus 100A is the same as the pitch betweenthe LEDs. Accordingly, it is possible to make the pitch uniform betweenall LEDs on all light-emitting apparatuses including the light-emittingapparatus 100A and the light-emitting apparatus 100B. This makes itpossible to further suppress illuminance and chromatic unevennessbetween the light-emitting apparatuses.

Moreover, when the light-emitting apparatus 100A and the light-emittingapparatus 100B are arranged next to each other, the ends of the sealingmember 30A and the sealing member 30B facing each other are preferablyshaped so that a contour thereof has a curvature. This point will bedescribed with reference to FIG. 7. (a) in FIG. 7 is an enlarged planarview of the connecting portion of the light-emitting apparatusesaccording to the first embodiment of the present invention lined up in arow, and (b) in FIG. 7 is a side view thereof. It should be noted thatthe arrows in FIG. 7 indicate the direction in which the light radiatedfrom the end portions of the sealing member travels.

As (a) in FIG. 7 shows, when the sealing member 30A and 30B are viewedin a planar view, the contour of the end of each sealing member has acurvature, which facilitates light emission in a diagonal direction.With this, it is possible to suppress a break in light when viewing theconnecting portion of the light-emitting apparatus 100A and 100B, andpossible to make the connection point of the light-emitting apparatus100A and light-emitting apparatus 100B appear less visible. In thiscase, the contour of the ends of the sealing member 30A and 30B in theplanar view is preferably a circular arch, and with respect to the linewidth Ws of the sealing member 30, the radius R₁ of the curvature of thecircular arc is preferably R₁=Ws/2.

Moreover, as (b) in FIG. 7 shows, when the sealing member 30A and 30Bare viewed from the side, the contour of the end of each sealing memberhas a curvature, which facilitates light emission in an upward, diagonaldirection. With this, it is possible to suppress a break in light whenviewing the connecting portion of the light-emitting apparatus 100A and100B, and possible to make the connection point of the light-emittingapparatus 100A and light-emitting apparatus 100B appear less visible. Inthis case, the contour of the ends of the sealing member 30A and 30B inthe side view is preferably a circular arch, and with respect to theheight Hs of the sealing member 30, the radius R₂ of the curvature ofthe circular arc is preferably R₂=Hs.

In this way, by making the ends of the sealing member 30A and 30B into asemispherical shape, it is possible to prevent a discontinuity in lightbetween neighboring light-emitting apparatuses 100A and 100B fromoccurring. It should be noted that the sealing members may be formedusing a dispenser in order to provide each of the ends of the sealingmembers with a contour having a curvature like described above. In otherwords, a dispenser may be used to deposit the resin material for thesealing member in a straight line in order to easily give the edges ofthe sealing members a contour having a curvature.

Next, the method of forming the sealing member in the light-emittingapparatus 100 according to the first embodiment of the present inventionwill be described with reference to FIG. 8A through FIG. 8C. FIG. 8Athrough FIG. 8C illustrate the forming method of the sealing member inthe light-emitting apparatus according to the first embodiment of thepresent invention, where FIG. 8A is a planar view, FIG. 8B is a sideview, and FIG. 8C is a cross sectional view.

The sealing member 30 can be applied using a dispenser. As FIG. 8Athrough FIG. 8C show, a discharge nozzle 600 of the dispenser ispositioned facing a given position on the substrate 10 and is driven tomove in the longitudinal direction of the substrate 10 while dispensingthe sealing member material (phosphor-containing resin). At this time,the sealing member material is dispensed to cover the LEDs 20, the line40, and the wiring 70.

In the first embodiment, the sealing member material is applied in asingle application operation from one lateral side end of the substrate10 to the other lateral side end. By applying the sealing membermaterial in one application operation, it is possible to suppress theoccurrence of difference in chromaticity, for example, within themodule, as described above.

It should be noted that after the sealing member material is applied,the sealing member material is hardened according to a given method.With this, it is possible to form the sealing member 30 to have a givenshape.

Second Embodiment

Next, the light-emitting apparatus 200 according to the secondembodiment of the present invention will be described in detail withreference to FIG. 9. (a) in FIG. 9 is a planar view of thelight-emitting apparatus according to the second embodiment of thepresent invention. Moreover, (b) in FIG. 9 shows a cross section(substrate longitudinal direction cross section) of the light-emittingapparatus according to the second embodiment of the present inventionalong the line X-X′, and (c) in FIG. 9 shows a cross section (substratelateral direction cross section) of the light-emitting apparatusaccording to the second embodiment of the present invention along theline Y-Y′.

The basic structure of the light-emitting apparatus 200 according to thesecond embodiment of the present invention is the same as thelight-emitting apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment of thepresent invention. The line pattern and positioning of the protectiveelement in the light-emitting apparatus 200 according to the secondembodiment is different from the light-emitting apparatus 100 accordingto the first embodiment of the present invention. All other structuresare basically the same. Accordingly, in FIG. 9, structural elements thatare the same as the structural elements shown in FIG. 2 share the samereference numbers. Additionally, detailed description thereof will beomitted.

As (a) through (c) in FIG. 9 show, compared to the light-emittingapparatus 100 according to the first embodiment of the presentinvention, the light-emitting apparatus 200 according to the secondembodiment of the present invention additionally includes a first line41 and a second line 42.

Similar to the line 40, the first line 41 and the second line 42 areelectrically connected to the plurality of LEDs 20 and the protectiveelement 50, and are patterned into a given shape on the substrate 10.Here, the line 40 is a line for connecting the LEDs in series, andsimilar to the first embodiment, is patterned to connect a plurality ofthe LEDs 20 (3 LEDs 20 in the second embodiment) in series. On the otherhand, the first line 41 and the second line 42 are lines for connectingLEDs in parallel, and are patterned to connect, in parallel, the LEDs 20connected in series by the line 40. Moreover, the first line 41 and thesecond line 42 are patterned to also connect the LEDs 20 and theprotective element 50 in parallel.

Here, the configuration of the circuitry for the LEDs 20 and theprotective element 50 connected by the line 40, the first line 41, andthe second line 42 will be discussed with reference to FIG. 10. FIG. 10shows the circuitry configuration of the light-emitting apparatusaccording to the second embodiment of the present invention.

The configuration of the circuitry for the LEDs 20 and the protectiveelement 50 in the light-emitting apparatus 200 according to the secondembodiment of the present invention is such that, as FIG. 10 shows,groups of three of the LEDs 20 connected in series are connectedtogether in parallel, and the groups of three LEDs 20 connected inseries are connected in parallel to the protective element 50.

Next, the line pattern of the line 40, the first line 41, and the secondline 42 will be described with reference to FIG. 11. FIG. 11 shows theline pattern on the light-emitting apparatus according to the secondembodiment of the present invention.

As FIG. 11 shows, the first line 41 and the second line 42 include astraight portion 41 a and 42 a, respectively, which have a straight lineshape and are the main lines running along the longitudinal direction ofthe substrate 10.

Furthermore, the first line 41 includes an extending portion 41 b whichextends from the straight portion 41 a toward the straight portion 42 aof the second line 42, that is to say, extends in the lateral directionof the substrate 10. Moreover, the second line 42 includes an extendingportion 42 b which extends from the straight portion 42 a toward thestraight portion 41 a of the first line 41, that is to say, extends inthe lateral direction of the substrate 10.

The straight portion 41 a of the first line 41 and the straight portion42 a of the second line 42 are formed to be substantially parallel tothe longitudinal direction of the substrate 10. The line 40 patterned ina given shape is formed along the longitudinal direction of thesubstrate 10 between the straight portion 41 a of the first line 41 andthe straight portion 42 a of the second line 42. The extending portion41 b of the first line 41 and the extending portion 42 b of the secondline 42 are formed to connect three of the LEDs 20 in series along withthe line 40, and also function as bonding pads.

Moreover, in the second embodiment, regions on the substrate 10excluding the first electrode 61, the second electrode 62, and the wireboding region are glass coated. Consequently, at least the straightportion 41 a of the first line 41 and the straight portion 42 a of thesecond line 42 are glass coated. It should be noted that in the secondembodiment, a glass coat film having a film thickness of approximately40 μm is deposited.

Returning to FIG. 9, the sealing member 30 is formed between thestraight portion 41 a of the first line 41 and the straight portion 42 aof the second line 42. Since the distance (separation width) between thestraight portion 41 a of the first line 41 and the straight portion 42 aof the second line 42 is approximately the same as the line width of thesealing member 30, the sealing member 30 is formed by being appliedalong the straight portion 41 a of the first line 41 and the straightportion 42 a of the second line 42. In this way, the first line 41 andthe second line 42 are patterned on the substrate 10 so that the linewidth of the sealing member 30 is a predetermined width.

The LEDs 20 are positioned between each line 40, between the line 40 andthe extending portion 41 b, and between the line 40 and the extendingportion 42 b. The LEDs 20, the line 40, and the extending portion 41 bor the extending portion 42 b are bonded by the wiring 70.

In the second embodiment, the protective element 50 is positionedbetween the straight portion 41 a of the first line 41 and the straightportion 42 a of the second line 42, and positioned between the extendingportion 41 b and the extending portion 42 b formed in the center of thesubstrate 10. The protective element 50 and the extending portion 41 bor the extending portion 42 b are bonded by the wiring 70.

It should be noted that in the second embodiment, the protective element50 is arranged in a straight line with the LEDs 20. In other words, theprotective element 50 and all of the LEDs 20 are arranged in a singleline. All of the wiring bonded to the protective element 50 and the LEDs20 is provided in a same direction as the straight line direction of thesealing member 30.

With this, the light-emitting apparatus 200 according to the secondembodiment of the present invention is capable of achieving the samefunctionality as the first embodiment.

Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the protective element 50 isarranged in a single line along with the LEDs 20, and the protectiveelement 50, along with the LEDs 20, is sealed by the sealing member 30collectively.

With this, it is possible to protect both the LEDs 20 and the protectiveelement 50 by sealing them with resin at the same time.

Moreover, in the second embodiment, all of the wiring bonded to theprotective element 50 and the LEDs 20 is provided in a same direction asthe straight line direction of the sealing member 30.

With this, it is possible to easily form the sealing member 30 having auniform line width, and possible to form the sealing member 30 having astable shape, similar to the first embodiment.

It should be noted that in the second embodiment, it is preferable thatthese elements, including the protective element 50 and all of the LEDs20, are spaced at the same pitch.

With this, since it is possible to make the changes in wettability ofthe sealing member 30, which is made from resin, occur in regularintervals in the straight line direction of the sealing member 30, it ispossible maintain an even shape, such as the thickness, of the sealingmember 30 in the straight line direction when applying the sealingmember material. With this, it is possible to suppress chromaticunevenness even in long, thin, line-shaped light sources that areelongated.

Next, the method of forming the sealing member in the light-emittingapparatus 200 according to the second embodiment of the presentinvention will be described with reference to FIG. 12A through FIG. 12C.FIG. 12A through FIG. 12C illustrate the forming method of the sealingmember in the light-emitting apparatus according to the secondembodiment of the present invention, where FIG. 12A is a planar view,FIG. 12B is a side view, and FIG. 12C is a cross sectional view.

Similar to the first embodiment, the sealing member 30 can be appliedusing a dispenser in the second embodiment as well. In other words, asFIG. 12A through FIG. 12C show, the discharge nozzle 600 of thedispenser is positioned facing a given position on the substrate 10 andis driven to move in the longitudinal direction of the substrate 10while dispensing the sealing member material (phosphor-containingresin). It should be noted that in the second embodiment, the sealingmember material is applied in a single application operation from onelateral side end of the substrate 10 to the other lateral side end.

In the second embodiment, the sealing member material is applied on theregion between the straight portion 41 a of the first line 41 and thestraight portion 42 a of the second line 42. At this time, the lateralspread of the substrate 10 is restricted by the straight portion 41 a ofthe first line 41 and the straight portion 42 a of the second line 42,and the sealing member material can be kept from overflowing beyond thestraight portion 41 a and the straight portion 42 a. In this way, withthe second embodiment, it is possible to easily form the sealing member30 having an even line width since it is possible to determine theapplication shape of the sealing member material with the straightportion 41 a of the first line 41 and the straight portion 42 a of thesecond line 42, which are substantially parallel. With this, it ispossible to suppress difference in chromaticity in the light-emittingapparatus. Moreover, when a plurality of the light-emitting apparatusesare used lined up in a row, it is possible to suppress chromaticirregularity between the light-emitting apparatuses.

Moreover, since the lateral spread of the sealing member material on thesubstrate 10 can be restricted by the straight portion 41 a and thestraight portion 42 a, it is possible to easily form the sealing member30 having a narrow line width. Consequently, even when the pitch betweenthe LEDs 20 is large, it is possible to further suppress a grainyappearance.

Moreover, since the lateral spread of the sealing member material on thesubstrate 10 can be restricted by the straight portion 41 a and thestraight portion 42 a, it is possible to easily form the sealing member30 having a narrow line width even when the sealing member material isnot very thixotropic and highly fluid. In this way, there is a wideselection of options for the sealing member material.

Moreover, by restricting the lateral spread of the sealing membermaterial on the substrate 10 with the straight portion 41 a and thestraight portion 42 a, as FIG. 12C shows, it is possible to form thesurface of the sealing member 30 to have a desired curved surface, andpossible to configure the sealing member 30 to have a curved contour ina cross section in the lateral direction. For example, it is possible toconfigure the sealing member 30 to have a circular arch curved contourin a cross section in the lateral direction. With this, it is possibleto increase the light extraction efficiency from the sealing membersealing member 30 and improve the dissipation of heat generated by theLEDs 20. In this case, by restricting the lateral spread of the sealingmember material on the substrate 10, it is possible to obtain a sealingmember 30 of a desired height without increasing the amount of sealingmember material applied.

It should be noted that like in the second embodiment, it is possible toincrease the thickness of the straight portion 41 a and the straightportion 42 a by glass coating the straight portion 41 a of the firstline 41 and the straight portion 42 a of the second line 42. With this,the sealing member material can be even more effectively kept fromoverflowing beyond the straight portion 41 a and the straight portion 42a.

Moreover, in the second embodiment, the straight portion 41 a of thefirst line 41 and the straight portion 42 a of the second line 42 areglass coated, but the coating is not limited thereto. For example, aplating process may be performed on the straight portion 41 a and thestraight portion 42 a to form a plating layer thereon and thicken thestraight portion 41 a and the straight portion 42 a.

Third Embodiment

Hereinafter, application of the light-emitting apparatus according tothe first and second embodiments will be discussed based on the thirdthrough fifth embodiments.

First, an example of the light-emitting apparatus according to the firstand second embodiments of the present invention applied to a backlightunit for liquid crystal display apparatuses will be described withreference to FIG. 13. FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of thebacklight unit according to the third embodiment of the presentinvention.

As FIG. 13 shows, the backlight unit 300 according to the thirdembodiment of the present invention is an edge light type backlight unitwith the light source positioned to the sides of the light guide plate,and includes a chassis 310, a reflective sheet 320, a light guide plate330, a light-emitting apparatus 340, an optical sheet group 350, and afront frame 360.

The chassis 310 has a flat, box shape, and is formed by pressing a steelplate made from stainless steel, for example. The chassis 310 has anopening 311 on the bottom surface, and a flange portion 312 is formedaround the edge of the opening of the chassis 310. Fastener holes 313are formed on the flange portion 312 for fastening to the front frame360.

The reflective sheet 320 is a sheet made from polyethylene terephthalate(PET), for example, and passes white light from the light-emittingapparatus 340 to the inside of the light guide plate 330 whilereflecting the white light.

The light guide plate 330 is a sheet made from polycarbonate (PC) oracryl, for example, and printed on the main surface (rear surface)thereof on the side facing the reflective sheet 320 and opposite thelight exiting surface (front surface) thereof is a dot pattern, whichincludes lighting elements for diffusing light entering the light guideplate 330 and emitting the light from the light exiting surface. Prismshapes or light scattering elements such as light scattering structuresformed by being printed or applied on the rear surface of the lightguide plate 330, or light scatting elements formed inside the lightguide plate 330, for example, are used as the lighting elements.

The optical sheet group 350 is configured of a diffusion sheet 351, aprism sheet 352, and a polarized sheet 353, all having the same size andthe same planar shape (rectangular shape). The diffusion sheet 351 is afilm made from PET or a film made from PC, for example. The prism sheet352 is a sheet made from polyester, for example, and a restrictive prismpattern is formed from acryl resin on one side. A film made frompolyethylene naphthalate, for example, is used as the polarized sheet353.

The front frame 360 is fixed to the flange portion 312 of the chassis310 by fastening fasteners 361 through the fastener holes 313 on thechassis 310. The front frame 360 holds the light guide plate 330 and theoptical sheet group 350 to the chassis 310.

The light-emitting apparatus 340 is the light-emitting apparatusaccording to the above-described first and second embodiments. In thethird embodiment, four of the light-emitting apparatuses are used, andeach are equipped with a heat sink 370. The four light-emittingapparatuses are arranged such that the substrates of the light-emittingapparatuses are abutting each other, as FIG. 6 shows. It should be notedthat the light-emitting apparatuses 340 equipped with the heat sinks 370are arranged so that the light exiting surfaces thereof face the side ofthe light guide plate 330.

The heat sink 370 holds the light-emitting apparatus 340 and is aluminumdrawn into an L shape (angle material), for example. The heat sink 370is fixed to the chassis 310 with a fastener, for example.

Since the backlight unit 300 according to the third embodiment of thepresent invention uses the light-emitting apparatus according to thefirst and second embodiments of the present invention, it is possible torealize a backlight unit having a highly uniform luminance whereinluminance irregularity is suppressed.

Fourth Embodiment

Next, an example of the light-emitting apparatus according to the firstand second embodiments of the present invention applied to a liquidcrystal display apparatus will be described with reference to FIG. 14.FIG. 14 is a cross section of the liquid crystal display apparatusaccording to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

As FIG. 14 shows, the liquid crystal display apparatus 400 according tothe fourth embodiment of the present invention is, for example, a liquidcrystal television or liquid crystal monitor, and includes a liquidcrystal display panel 410, a backlight unit 420 positioned behind theliquid crystal display panel 410, and a housing 430 which houses theliquid crystal display panel 410 and the backlight unit 420.

In the fourth embodiment, the above-described backlight unit accordingto the third embodiment of the present invention is used as thebacklight unit 420. Moreover, the backlight unit 420 is equipped with alight-emitting apparatus 421, which is a line-shaped light source. Thelight-emitting apparatuses 100 and 200 according to the first and secondembodiments of the present invention can be used as the light-emittingapparatus 421.

Since the liquid crystal display apparatus 400 according to the fourthembodiment of the present invention uses the backlight unit 420 in whichchromatic and luminance irregularities are suppressed, it is possible torealize a high contrast, high luminance liquid crystal display apparatuswith superior display properties.

Fifth Embodiment

Next, an example of the light-emitting apparatus according to the firstand second embodiments of the present invention applied to anillumination apparatus will be described with reference to FIG. 15. FIG.15 is a perspective view of the illumination apparatus according to thefifth embodiment of the present invention with a portion thereof cutout.

The illumination apparatus 500 according to the fifth embodiment of thepresent invention is an LED lamp provided with the light-emittingapparatus according to the first and second embodiments of the presentinvention, and as FIG. 15 shows, is comparable to a straight tubefluorescent lamp used for general purpose lighting.

The illumination apparatus 500 according to the fifth embodimentincludes a straight tube 510 formed of an elongated glass tube, alight-emitting apparatus 520 located inside the straight tube 510, abase 540 attached to both ends of the straight tube 510 and including apair of base pins 530, an adhesive (not pictured) for adhering (fixing)the light-emitting apparatus 520 fitted to the straight tube 510, andlight circuitry (not pictured) which receives power via the base 540 andcauses the LED chips on the light-emitting apparatus 520 to emit light.It should be noted that the light circuitry may be provided in thelighting fixture external to the LED lamp. The light-emittingapparatuses 100 and 200 according to the first and second embodiments ofthe present invention can be used as the light-emitting apparatus 520.Moreover, in the fifth embodiment, a plurality of the light-emittingapparatuses 520 are used, and as FIG. 6 shows, are arranged such thatthe substrates of the light-emitting apparatuses abut each other.

Since the illumination apparatus 500 according to the fifth embodimentof the present invention uses the light-emitting apparatus according tothe first and second embodiments of the present invention, it ispossible to realize an illumination apparatus void of luminanceirregularities.

Sixth Embodiment

Next, the sixth embodiment of the present invention will be describedwith reference to FIG. 16. FIG. 16 is a birds-eye view of theillumination apparatus according to the sixth embodiment of the presentinvention. The sixth embodiment is an example of the light-emittingapparatus 100 according to the previously described first embodimentapplied as an illumination light source for the illumination apparatus.It should be noted that the light-emitting apparatus 200 according tothe second embodiment may also be applied to the sixth embodiment.

As FIG. 16 shows, the illumination apparatus 1 according to the sixthembodiment is a base light and includes: the light-emitting apparatus100, a lighting fixture 2, and a fixing member 3 for fixing thelight-emitting apparatus 100 to the lighting fixture 2. Thelight-emitting apparatus 100 is directly mounted to both the fixingmember 3 and the lighting fixture 2.

The lighting fixture 2 is equipped with light circuitry and such forcontrolling the lighting of the light-emitting apparatus 100. Moreover,the lighting fixture 2 includes fastener holes which correspond to thethrough-holes in the fixing member 3. In other words, the positions ofthe through-holes in the fixing member 3 match with the positions of thefastener holes in the lighting fixture 2. The lighting fixture 2 can beshaped by press forming, for example, a sheet of aluminum or steel, andis directly mounted to a ceiling, for example.

The fixing member 3 is an elongated substrate. For example, an elongatedmetal based substrate such as an aluminum substrate can be used for thefixing member 3. The fixing member 3 is provided with a plurality ofthrough-holes, and when the fixing member 3 and the lighting fixture 2are to be fixed together, the through-holes of the fixing member 3 andthe fastener holes of the lighting fixture 2 line up, fasteners 4 areplaced in the through-holes, and the fasteners 4, the through-holes, andthe fastener holes are fastened together.

In the sixth embodiment, the through-holes are alternately provided onthe longitudinal sides of the fixing member 3. For example, as FIG. 16shows, it is possible to provide four through-holes on one longitudinalside of the fixing member 3, and provide three through-holes on theother longitudinal side of the fixing member 3 in locations not directlyacross from the through-holes provided on the other side. The fixingmethod of the fixing member 3 and the light-emitting apparatus 100 isnot particularly limited to a single method. For example, the fixingmember 3 and the light-emitting apparatus 100 may be fixed together withan adhesive, for example.

While it is not pictured in the Drawings, it should be noted that atransparent cover may be provided to cover the light-emitting apparatus100. Moreover, a plurality of the light-emitting apparatuses 100 may beprovided in one illumination apparatus. In this case, a plurality of thelight-emitting apparatuses 100 may be fixed to one fixing member 3, orone fixing member 3 to which one light-emitting apparatus 100 is fixedmay be provided in plurality on the lighting fixture 2. Moreover, in thesixth embodiment, the through-holes on the fixing member 3 are providedon both longitudinal sides of the substrate, but the through-holes maybe provided on just one longitudinal side. Moreover, in the sixthembodiment, fastener holes are formed by providing through-holes in thefixing member 3, but cut-out portions instead of through-holes may beprovided as a structure for allowing the passage of the fasteners 4. Forexample, it is possible to provide semicircle cut-outs along alongitudinal side of the fixing member 3 and fasten the fasteners usingthese cut-outs. Moreover, a standardized member may be used as thefixing member 3.

Furthermore, in the sixth embodiment, the light-emitting apparatus 100is fixed to the fixing member 3, and this is attached to the lightingfixture 2 as a module, but the fixing member 3 itself may be used as thesubstrate 10 of the light-emitting apparatus 100. In other words, thesubstrate 10 of the light-emitting apparatus 100 may be configured tofunction as the fixing member 3 as well, and the light-emittingapparatus 100 may be directly attached to the lighting fixture 2 withoutthe use of the fixing member 3. In this case, the substrate 10 of thelight-emitting apparatus 100 may be provided with fasteningthrough-holes or cut-outs for fixing with fasteners.

Heretofore, the light-emitting apparatus, backlight unit, liquid crystaldisplay apparatus, and illumination apparatus according to the presentinvention has been described based on the first through sixth exemplaryembodiments, but the scope of the present invention is not limitedthereto. For example, the present invention also includes embodimentvariants conceived by those skilled in the art unless they depart fromthe spirit and scope of the present invention. Moreover, embodimentsresulting from arbitrary combinations of constituent elements ofdifferent exemplary embodiments are intended to be included within thescope of the present invention as long as these do not depart from theessence of the present invention.

Moreover, in the above exemplary embodiments, as an application exampleof the light-emitting apparatus, application to a backlight unit, liquidcrystal display apparatus, or illumination apparatus is described, butapplication of the light-emitting apparatus is not limited to theseexamples. Other applications include, for example, a lamp source in aphotocopier, an emergency exit light, or a light in a billboardapparatus. Furthermore, the light-emitting apparatus can also be used asa light source in industrial applications such as a line light sourcefor inspection purposes.

Moreover, in the above exemplary embodiments, each light-emittingapparatus is configured of blue light LEDs and yellow phosphors in orderto radiate a white light, but this configuration is not limiting. Forexample, a phosphor-containing resin containing red phosphors or greenphosphors may be used in conjunction with blue light LEDs to radiate awhite light. Moreover, LEDs which emit a light other than blue light maybe used.

Moreover, in the above exemplary embodiments, the semiconductorlight-emitting elements used in each light-emitting apparatus are LEDs,but the semiconductor light-emitting elements used may be semiconductorlasers, organic electro luminescence (EL) or inorganic EL light-emittingelements.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The present invention can be widely applied to light-emittingapparatuses using semiconductor light-emitting elements such as LEDs asa light source, backlight units, liquid crystal display apparatuses,illumination apparatuses such as straight tube fluorescent lamps,emergency exit lamps, or electronic devices such as photocopiers, or inindustrial applications such as line light sources for inspectionpurposes.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

-   1 illumination apparatus-   2 lighting fixture-   3 fixing member-   4 fastener-   10, 10A, 10B, 1010 substrate-   20, 1020 LED-   30, 30A, 30B, 1030 sealing member-   40 line-   41 first line-   41 a, 42 a straight portion-   41 b, 42 b extending portion-   42 second line-   50 protective element-   61, 61A, 61B first electrode-   62, 62A, 62B second electrode-   70 wiring-   100, 200, 100A, 100B, 340, 421, 520, 1000 light-emitting apparatus-   110 light-emitting unit-   300, 420 backlight unit-   310 chassis-   311 opening-   312 flange portion-   313 fastener hole-   320 reflective sheet-   330 light guide plate-   350 optical sheet group-   351 diffusion sheet-   352 prism sheet-   353 polarized sheet-   360 front frame-   361 fastener-   370 heat sink-   400 liquid crystal display apparatus-   410 liquid crystal display panel-   430 housing-   500 illumination apparatus-   510 straight tube-   530 base pin-   540 base-   600 discharge nozzle-   1100 SMD type LED element-   1101 cavity

1-23. (canceled)
 24. A light-emitting apparatus comprising: an elongatedsubstrate; a plurality of semiconductor light-emitting elements arrangedin a straight line on the substrate in a longitudinal direction of thesubstrate; and a sealing member that includes an optical wavelengthconverter and seals the semiconductor light-emitting elements, whereinthe sealing member is formed in a straight line in a direction ofarrangement of the semiconductor light-emitting elements, is formedextending to both end edges of the substrate in the longitudinaldirection of the substrate, and seals the semiconductor light-emittingelements collectively, and a contour of an end of the sealing member hasa curvature.
 25. The light-emitting apparatus according to claim 24,wherein 10≦Ls/Ws, where Ls is a length of the sealing member in astraight line direction of the sealing member and Ws is a line width ofthe sealing member.
 26. The light-emitting apparatus according to claim25, wherein Wc≦Lc, where Lc is a length of each of the semiconductorlight-emitting elements in the straight line direction and Wc is alength of each of the semiconductor light-emitting elements in adirection perpendicular to the straight line direction.
 27. Thelight-emitting apparatus according to claim 26, wherein Wc≦Ws/4.
 28. Thelight-emitting apparatus according to claim 26, wherein 0.9≦Hs₄₅/Hs≦1.1,where Hs is a height of the sealing member and Hs₄₅ is a length of thesealing member measured from a center of a cross section of the sealingmember at 45 degree angle.
 29. The light-emitting apparatus according toclaim 28, wherein 0.4≦Hs/Ws≦0.6.
 30. The light-emitting apparatusaccording to claim 24, further comprising: two electrodes that areformed on the substrate and are for supplying power to the semiconductorlight-emitting elements, wherein a first of the two electrodes is formedat a first end of the substrate in a longitudinal direction of thesubstrate, and a second of the two electrodes is formed at a second endof the substrate in the longitudinal direction of the substrate, and thetwo electrodes are formed laterally offset toward one longitudinal sideof the substrate, based on the sealing member.
 31. The light-emittingapparatus according to claim 30, wherein the sealing member is formed sothat a straight line passing a center of a line width of the sealingmember and a straight line passing a center of the substrate in alateral direction of the substrate are different.
 32. The light-emittingapparatus according to claim 24, wherein the semiconductorlight-emitting elements are spaced at a uniform pitch, and two outermostsemiconductor light-emitting elements among the semiconductorlight-emitting elements are each positioned half the pitch length from anearest one of the end edges of the substrate.
 33. The light-emittingapparatus according to claim 24, wherein the semiconductorlight-emitting elements are each bonded with a wire, at least a portionof each of the wires is sealed by the sealing member, and all of thewires sealed by the sealing member are provided in a same direction as astraight line direction of the sealing member.
 34. The light-emittingapparatus according to claim 24, further comprising a protective elementfor electrostatic protection of the semiconductor light-emittingelements, wherein the protective element is arranged in a straight linewith the semiconductor light-emitting elements.
 35. The light-emittingapparatus according to claim 34, wherein the protective element and allof the semiconductor light-emitting elements are spaced at a uniformpitch.
 36. The light-emitting apparatus according to claim 34, whereinthe protective element and each of the semiconductor light-emittingelements are bonded with a wire, at least a portion of each of the wiresis sealed by the sealing member, and all of the wires sealed by thesealing member are provided in a same direction as a straight linedirection of the sealing member.
 37. The light-emitting apparatusaccording to claim 24, further comprising a first line and a second linethat are electrically connected to the semiconductor light-emittingelements, wherein the first line and the second line each have astraight portion formed on the substrate in a straight linesubstantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the substrate,and the sealing member is formed between the straight portion of thefirst line and the straight portion of the second line.
 38. Thelight-emitting apparatus according to claim 37, wherein the straightportion of the first line and the straight portion of the second lineare glass coated.
 39. The light-emitting apparatus according to claim24, wherein the optical wavelength converter is a phosphor that exciteslight emitted by the semiconductor light-emitting elements.
 40. Abacklight unit comprising the light-emitting apparatus according toclaim
 24. 41. The backlight unit according to claim 40, comprising aplurality of the light-emitting apparatuses, wherein the light-emittingapparatuses are arranged so that the substrates of the light-emittingapparatuses abut each other.
 42. A liquid crystal display apparatuscomprising: the backlight unit according to claim 40; and a liquidcrystal display panel positioned in a path of light emitted from thebacklight unit.
 43. An illumination apparatus comprising thelight-emitting apparatus according to claim
 24. 44. The illuminationapparatus according to claim 43, comprising a plurality of thelight-emitting apparatuses, wherein the light-emitting apparatuses arearranged so that the substrates of the light-emitting apparatuses abuteach other.